The Best Hotels for First Time Visitors in New York

Where to Stay on Your First Trip to New York

Visiting New York for the first time can be an exciting, yet overwhelming experience. With so many incredible hotels to choose from, it can be difficult to know where to stay. If you're deciding where to stay for your first visit to New York, we've compiled a list of the best hotels for first time visitors. We analyzed all of the hotels in New York based on price, location, amenities, guest ratings, and more to determine which would be the ideal places to stay for first timers. Whether you're here for just a few days or longer, these hotels offer the perfect combination of amenities, location, and price. For those visiting New York for the first time, it's important to choose a hotel in a safe and convenient area to make the most of your first visit. You'll want to be close to the activities, shopping, and dining options, of course. When looking for hotels, consider the amenities they offer. Some hotels may have a fitness center, a bar or restaurant, a pool, or even a spa. All of these features can add to your overall enjoyment if you've never been to New York before. Also, guest ratings and reviews are also important to consider when choosing a hotel. Whether you're visiting New York for the first time, or you're a seasoned traveler, the best hotels in New York for first-timers offer the perfect combination of comfort, convenience, and affordability. So, here's our list of suggestions for your next trip.

(Prices are listed in U.S. Dollars.)

The Plaza Hotel

New York, New York
5-star Hotel with prices starting at $1155 (before taxes) - See All Prices
Perfect for First-Timers

Located at 768 Fifth Avenue, The Plaza Hotel has great rooms from $1155 (before taxes). It offers room service, room service, a restaurant, a restaurant, and a fitness center. It has a terrific 8.50 rating out of 10 from previous guests who have stayed here. Only 173.3 miles from the city center, first time visitors will especially love a fitness center, a bar, a bar, parking, and parking at this relaxing hotel. Unwinding at the restaurant after sightseeing is a nice way to end the day.

First Time Trip Hotel Amenities
  • Room service
  • Room service
  • Parking
  • Parking
  • Spa
  • Spa
More Great Amenities
  • Restaurant
  • Restaurant
  • Fitness center
  • Fitness center
  • Bar/Lounge
  • Bar/Lounge
  • Laundry service
  • Laundry service
  • Pets allowed
  • Pets allowed
  • Bicycle rental
  • Bicycle rental
  • Family rooms
  • Family rooms
  • Coffee shop
  • Coffee shop
  • Microwave
  • Microwave
  • Breakfast in the room
  • Breakfast in the room


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Hotel Saranac, Curio Collection by Hilton

Saranac Lake, New York
4-star Hotel with prices starting at $175 (before taxes) - See All Prices
Among the Best Places to Stay for a First Visit to New York
  • Great Value: the price is lower than average for 4-star hotels.

A great place to stay is Hotel Saranac, Curio Collection by Hilton which has nice rooms starting at $175. Offering skiing, skiing, room service, room service, and a restaurant, it also has a great guest rating of 8.40 out of 10 from many previous guests. It's located at 100 Main Street. This convenient hotel is also nice because it offers a restaurant, a fitness center, a fitness center, a bar, and a bar which visitors will enjoy. Also, it's just 114.4 miles from the city center. It's always nice to have a kitchenette to cook some basic meals or have an easy breakfast. It's also less than the average price for first time trip hotels, so it's a great value.

First Time Trip Hotel Amenities
  • Skiing
  • Skiing
  • Room service
  • Room service
  • Spa
  • Spa
  • Spa/Wellness
  • Spa/Wellness
More Great Amenities
  • Restaurant
  • Restaurant
  • Fitness center
  • Fitness center
  • Bar/Lounge
  • Bar/Lounge
  • Hiking
  • Hiking
  • Kitchenette
  • Kitchenette
  • Laundry service
  • Laundry service
  • Pets allowed
  • Pets allowed
  • Game room
  • Game room
  • Free parking
  • Free parking
  • Bicycle rental
  • Bicycle rental
  • Microwave
  • Microwave
  • Refrigerator
  • Refrigerator


Golden Arrow Lakeside Resort

Lake Placid, New York
3-star Resort with prices starting at $347 (before taxes) - See All Prices
Perfect Hotel to Make the Most of Your First Visit
  • High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.
  • Heated pool
  • Heated pool

We found Golden Arrow Lakeside Resort to be a great place to stay, and the price starts at $347. We loved that is has skiing, skiing, room service, room service, and a restaurant, and it also has a terrific guest rating of 9.20 out of 10 from previous guests. It's located at 2559 Main Street. You'll also find a restaurant, a fitness center, a fitness center, a bar, and a bar which travelers will love. And this fun hotel is just 116.7 miles from the center of town. It's always nice having a heated pool to relax in.

First Time Trip Hotel Amenities
  • Skiing
  • Skiing
  • Room service
  • Room service
  • Indoor pool
  • Indoor pool
  • Spa/Wellness
  • Spa/Wellness
More Great Amenities
  • Restaurant
  • Restaurant
  • Fitness center
  • Fitness center
  • Bar/Lounge
  • Bar/Lounge
  • Hiking
  • Hiking
  • Laundry service
  • Laundry service
  • Pets allowed
  • Pets allowed
  • Hot tub
  • Hot tub
  • Free parking
  • Free parking
  • Heated pool
  • Heated pool
  • Microwave
  • Microwave
  • Refrigerator
  • Refrigerator


Gild Hall, A Thompson Hotel

New York, New York
4-star Hotel with prices starting at $282 (before taxes) - See All Prices
Great Hotel for First Time Visitors
  • Great Value: the price is lower than average for 4-star hotels.
  • High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.
  • Family-Friendly
  • Family-Friendly

With terrific rooms from $282, Gild Hall, A Thompson Hotel, at 15 Gold Street provides room service, room service, a restaurant, a restaurant, and a fitness center. Its terrific guest rating is 8.80 out of 10 from previous guests staying here. New visitors will really like this amazing hotel which also offers a fitness center, a bar, a bar, parking, and parking. It's located just 176 miles from the city center, too. The room service is especially nice after a long day. It's a great value, as the price is less than the average for first time trip hotels.

First Time Trip Hotel Amenities
  • Room service
  • Room service
  • Parking
  • Parking
  • Airport shuttle
  • Airport shuttle
  • Family-Friendly
  • Family-Friendly
More Great Amenities
  • Restaurant
  • Restaurant
  • Fitness center
  • Fitness center
  • Bar/Lounge
  • Bar/Lounge
  • Laundry service
  • Laundry service
  • Pets allowed
  • Pets allowed
  • Family rooms
  • Family rooms
  • Refrigerator
  • Refrigerator
  • Breakfast in the room
  • Breakfast in the room


Residence Inn by Marriott New York Manhattan/Times Square

New York, New York
3-star Hotel with prices starting at $259 (before taxes) - See All Prices
Perfect for Your First Visit to New York
  • Great Value: the price is lower than average for first time trip hotels.
  • Family-Friendly
  • Family-Friendly

Residence Inn by Marriott New York Manhattan/Times Square has a great guest rating of 8.30 out of 10, and offers a restaurant, a restaurant, a fitness center, a fitness center, and a bar. The great rooms here start at $259 before taxes and depending on the season. It can be found at 1033 Avenue of The Americas. Furthermore, it also offers a bar, parking, parking, rooms with kitchenettes, and rooms with kitchenettes, which is nice for first time visitors. Just 173.7 miles from the city center, this fantastic hotel is a terrific choice. We found the price of this hotel to be a great value because the price is less than average for first time trip hotels.

First Time Trip Hotel Amenities
  • Parking
  • Parking
  • Free breakfast
  • Free breakfast
  • Family-Friendly
  • Family-Friendly
More Great Amenities
  • Restaurant
  • Restaurant
  • Fitness center
  • Fitness center
  • Bar/Lounge
  • Bar/Lounge
  • Kitchenette
  • Kitchenette
  • Laundry service
  • Laundry service
  • Pets allowed
  • Pets allowed
  • Family rooms
  • Family rooms
  • Microwave
  • Microwave
  • Refrigerator
  • Refrigerator


The Mark New York

New York, New York
5-star Hotel with prices starting at $1430 (before taxes) - See All Prices
A Good Stay for Your First Trip
  • High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.
  • Family-Friendly

The great guest rating of The Mark New York is 9.20 out of 10. This place has room service, a restaurant, a fitness center, a bar, and parking. Prices for the terrific rooms are from $1430, and it's located at 25 East 77th Street. We also love the rooms with kitchens, laundry services, pet-friendly rooms, city views, and a spa which are great for visitors. And since it's just 172.8 miles from the center of the town, the location is great, too. And with the ability to cook your own meals in the kitchen, you can save money and time.

First Time Trip Hotel Amenities
  • Room service
  • Parking
  • Kitchen
  • Spa
  • Airport shuttle
  • Family-Friendly
More Great Amenities
  • Restaurant
  • Fitness center
  • Bar/Lounge
  • Laundry service
  • Pets allowed
  • Bicycle rental
  • Family rooms
  • Microwave
  • Refrigerator
  • Breakfast in the room


Brookmere Saratoga, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel

Saratoga Springs, New York
4-star Hotel with prices starting at $194 (before taxes) - See All Prices
Perfect for Your First Time in New York
  • Great Value: the price is lower than average for 4-star hotels.

A cool place is Brookmere Saratoga, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel because it has great rooms that start at $194. It has an outdoor pool, an outdoor pool, a restaurant, a restaurant, and a fitness center, it also earned a great guest rating of 8.10 out of 10 from people who have stayed here before. It's found at 500 Union Avenue. Only 89.6 miles from the city center, travelers will especially love a fitness center, a bar, a bar, hiking, and hiking at this convenient hotel. The swimming pool is fantastic and lots of fun, too. It's also less than the average price for first time trip hotels, so it's a great value.

First Time Trip Hotel Amenities
  • Outdoor pool
  • Outdoor pool
  • Spa
  • Spa
  • Horse riding
  • Horse riding
More Great Amenities
  • Restaurant
  • Restaurant
  • Fitness center
  • Fitness center
  • Bar/Lounge
  • Bar/Lounge
  • Hiking
  • Hiking
  • Kitchenette
  • Kitchenette
  • Babysitting / Child Care
  • Babysitting / Child Care
  • Laundry service
  • Laundry service
  • Pets allowed
  • Pets allowed
  • Free parking
  • Free parking
  • Microwave
  • Microwave


The Peninsula New York

New York, New York
5-star Hotel with prices starting at $879 (before taxes) - See All Prices
Perfect for First-Timers
  • High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.
  • Family-Friendly
  • Heated pool

The Peninsula New York offers room service, a restaurant, a fitness center, a bar, and parking which we really like. The terrific rooms here start at $879 (before taxes). It's located at 700 Fifth Avenue At 55th Street and has earned a guest rating of 9.00/10. This fun hotel is also nice because it offers child care, laundry services, pet-friendly rooms, city views, and a spa which new visitors will enjoy. Also, it's just 173.4 miles from the city center. Having an indoor pool means that you can swim and have fun any time of the year.

First Time Trip Hotel Amenities
  • Room service
  • Parking
  • Spa
  • Indoor pool
  • Airport shuttle
  • Family-Friendly
More Great Amenities
  • Restaurant
  • Fitness center
  • Bar/Lounge
  • Babysitting / Child Care
  • Laundry service
  • Pets allowed
  • Bicycle rental
  • Family rooms
  • Heated pool
  • Refrigerator
  • Breakfast in the room
  • Kids' club


Faraway Sag Harbor

Sag Harbor, New York
4-star Hotel with prices starting at $879 (before taxes) - See All Prices
Among the Best Places to Stay for a First Visit to New York
  • High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.
  • Family-Friendly

Located at 31 West Water Street, Faraway Sag Harbor has great rooms from $879 (before taxes). It offers an outdoor pool, room service, a restaurant, a fitness center, and a bar. It has a terrific 8.80 rating out of 10 from previous guests who have stayed here. You'll also find rooms with kitchenettes, child care, laundry services, pet-friendly rooms, and a game room which first time visitors will love. And this amazing hotel is just 214.6 miles from the center of town.

First Time Trip Hotel Amenities
  • Outdoor pool
  • Room service
  • Family-Friendly
More Great Amenities
  • Restaurant
  • Fitness center
  • Bar/Lounge
  • Kitchenette
  • Babysitting / Child Care
  • Laundry service
  • Pets allowed
  • Game room
  • Free parking
  • Bicycle rental
  • Family rooms
  • Tennis
  • Microwave
  • Refrigerator
  • Breakfast in the room


High Peaks Resort

Lake Placid, New York
4-star Resort with prices starting at $197 (before taxes) - See All Prices
Perfect Hotel to Make the Most of Your First Visit
  • Great Value: the price is lower than average for 4-star hotels.
  • High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.
  • Heated pool

A great place to stay is High Peaks Resort which has nice rooms starting at $197. Offering an outdoor pool, skiing, room service, a restaurant, and a fitness center, it also has a great guest rating of 8.80 out of 10 from many previous guests. It's located at 2384 Saranac Avenue. Visitors will really like this fantastic hotel which also offers a bar, parking, hiking, pet-friendly rooms, and a hot tub. It's located just 117 miles from the city center, too. You'll love relaxing in the hot tub at the end of the day, too. We found the price of this hotel to be a great value because the price is less than average for first time trip hotels.

First Time Trip Hotel Amenities
  • Outdoor pool
  • Skiing
  • Room service
  • Parking
  • Spa/Wellness
More Great Amenities
  • Restaurant
  • Fitness center
  • Bar/Lounge
  • Hiking
  • Pets allowed
  • Hot tub
  • Game room
  • Bicycle rental
  • Family rooms
  • Heated pool
  • Refrigerator


Also, take a look at the first time trip hotels in nearby destinations: Ithaca, Syracuse, and Cooperstown.

For more terrific hotel ideas in New York, make sure you also see Best Family-Friendly Hotels in New York, Best Luxury Hotels in New York, Best Pet-Friendly Hotels in New York, Best Hotels for First Time Visitors in New York, Best Hotels for a Weekend Getaway in New York, Best Hotels for One Week in New York, Best Hotels for One Night in New York, Best Romantic Hotels for Couples in New York, Best Adults Only Hotels in New York, Best Party Hotels in New York, Best Hotels for Scuba Diving in New York, Best Hotels for Skiing in New York, or Best Business Hotels in New York.


How much do hotels for first-time visitors cost in New York?

New York Average First Time Trip Hotel Price
$290

Visitors will find a large range of terrific first time trip hotel choices when planning a visit to New York. The price of these first time trip hotels can vary according to location, type, and amenities. The average first time trip hotel price in New York based on data from 562 hotels is an affordable $290. If you're interested in more information about hotels here, see our guide to hotel prices in New York.

The average prices of our suggested first time trip hotels by star rating:

  • 5-star hotels: $764
  • 4-star hotels: $303
  • 3-star hotels: $209
  • 2-star hotels: $178


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